Traditional practices of oral health care among tribals of India: A scoping review

Abstract

Objective: The scoping review aims to study the traditional practices of oral health care among tribals of India. Search: The Google Scholar database was searched using a search strategy for articles on traditional oral health-care practices among tribals of India and the composition and properties of medicinal plants used. Two hundred and forty-nine articles were reported in the search and screened for eligibility. Seven articles found suitable have been included in the review. Results: The results showed that 95 plant species were identified that were used for oral health by the tribal population in India. These species were mostly used as toothbrushes, for making toothpastes, and mouthwashes, relieving toothaches, treating bleeding gums, halitosis, and caries, and for whitening the teeth. Conclusion: The plants used have many medicinal properties, which may be why tribals use it.

Keywords

• oral health practices
• traditional
• tribals